‘Slum’ tag off 135 localities after Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation re-development work

BHUBANESWAR: Following upgradation under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) initiative, the “slum” tag has been taken off at least 135 run-down neighbourhoods in the city.
These localities will be called Biju Adarsha Colony from now on.
The civic body constituted the Slum Development Association (SDA) with residents of these localities and discussed their issues. After formulating the plan to re-develop these areas, the civic body trusted the SDA members with the supervision work.
“These localities were upgraded following consultation with the dwellers. We didn’t construct new houses. The development was limited to facilitating drainage, wide roads, drinking water, power supply, street lights, individual household latrines and creation of open spaces,” said BMC deputy commissioner Ramesh Jena.
“The open-space development included landscaping and beautification. We have tried to lend aesthetic touch to the work and created play areas for children. The SDA members took 7.5% as their share of profit from the total cost of the re-development project in each slum,” Jena added.
BMC officials said the new set-ups will help the residents maintain a healthy and hygienic life. Also, roads have been widened so that fire tenders can easily access the accident spot.
Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited’s socially smart city project is also on for development of slum areas.